Microsoft Edge was introduced as a successor to Internet Explorer, and since its launch, it has become a popular choice for Windows 10 users due to its speed, privacy features, and integration with Windows. However, users occasionally encounter issues that render the browser unusable. In this article, we will explore the common problems related to Microsoft Edge not working on Windows 10, provide troubleshooting steps, and offer solutions to restore its functionality.
Understanding Microsoft Edge and Its Importance
Microsoft Edge is designed to run smoothly on Windows 10, offering advanced features such as web notes, reading view, and robust security measures. As an integral part of the Windows 10 ecosystem, when Edge fails to work correctly, it can disrupt productivity and internet browsing. Understanding the significance of Edge helps users appreciate the need for a reliable solution when problems arise.
Common Problems with Microsoft Edge
Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to identify the common issues that users may face with Microsoft Edge on Windows 10. These include:
- Microsoft Edge won’t open
- Pages won’t load or are displayed incorrectly
- The browser crashes frequently
- Extension-related issues
Recognizing these problems sets the stage for effective troubleshooting.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
If you find that Microsoft Edge is not working correctly, you can employ a few basic troubleshooting steps before looking for more complex solutions.
Restart Your Computer
Often, a simple restart can resolve many software-related issues. It clears temporary files and resets system processes, which may help restore Edge functionality.
Check Your Internet Connection
Since Edge is a web browser, ensure that your internet connection is stable. You can test this by opening other browsers or performing a speed test. A poor or disconnected internet connection can prevent Edge from loading pages.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If the initial steps do not resolve the issue, try the following advanced methods.
Clear Browsing Data
Over time, browsing data can accumulate and affect performance. Clearing this data can help Edge run smoother:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select **Settings**.
- Under **Privacy, search, and services**, locate **Clear browsing data**.
- Select **Choose what to clear** and pick a time range.
- Check the types of data you wish to clear and click **Clear now**.
Reset Microsoft Edge Settings
Resetting Microsoft Edge can also help if the browser is misbehaving. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to **Settings** in Edge and select **Reset settings**.
- Click on **Restore settings to their default values**.
- Confirm your choice by clicking **Reset**.
This process will remove custom settings but retain your bookmarks and saved passwords.
Checking for Windows Updates
Microsoft continuously releases updates for Windows 10, often containing bug fixes and improvements for Edge. To check for updates:
How to Update Windows 10
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Select Windows Update and click on Check for updates.
- If updates are available, install them and restart your computer.
Keeping Windows up to date can resolve many issues related to Microsoft Edge.
Reinstalling Microsoft Edge
If the above methods do not solve the problems, consider reinstalling Microsoft Edge. Reinstallation ensures that you have the latest version without any corrupted files:
Steps to Reinstall Edge
- Open PowerShell as an administrator. You can do this by searching for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting Run as administrator.
Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell and press Enter:
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge* | Remove-AppxPackage
After the process completes, you can reinstall Edge through the Microsoft Store or by downloading it from the official Microsoft website.
Alternative Solutions for Persistent Issues
If Microsoft Edge continues to malfunction despite your efforts, below are additional strategies you can consider:
Check for Conflicting Software
Certain applications, especially third-party security software, can interfere with Edge’s operation. Temporarily disable such software to determine whether it resolves your issues. If Edge starts functioning normally, consider adding it as an exception in your software settings.
Try Using Edge in Safe Mode
Running Windows in safe mode can help isolate whether the issue stems from Microsoft Edge or other software:
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type msconfig and hit Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab and check Safe boot.
- Restart your computer.
While in safe mode, try launching Edge. If it works, the issue may relate to another application or service running in normal mode.
Utilizing Windows Troubleshooter
Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can diagnose and resolve issues related to system applications, including Microsoft Edge:
Steps to Access the Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Click on Additional troubleshooters.
- Look for the option related to Windows Store apps and run the troubleshooter.
The tool can automatically identify and fix common problems within Edge.
Checking Hardware Acceleration Settings
Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause performance issues in Edge. Disabling it might resolve your problems:
How to Disable Hardware Acceleration
- Open Microsoft Edge and go to Settings.
- Navigate to System and performance.
- Toggle off the setting for Use hardware acceleration when available.
After this adjustment, restart your browser and check if the problem is resolved.
Conclusion
While encountering issues with Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 can be frustrating, most problems have straightforward solutions. Understanding common issues and following the outlined troubleshooting techniques can restore your browser to full functionality. Whether it’s through clearing browsing data, updating Windows, or even reinstalling the browser, with patience and the right steps, you can overcome obstacles and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.
By taking a proactive approach to monitor Edge performance and applying these solutions when issues arise, you’ll ensure that your web browsing remains efficient, safe, and enjoyable. Remember, staying updated with Windows and Edge releases will not only enhance your overall experience but also minimize chances of encountering similar issues in the future.
What should I do if Microsoft Edge won’t open on Windows 10?
If Microsoft Edge won’t open, the first step is to restart your computer. A simple reboot can resolve minor software glitches that may be preventing the browser from launching. After restarting your system, try opening Edge again. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to reset the app.
To reset Microsoft Edge, go to Settings, then Apps, and find Microsoft Edge in the list. Click on it and select “Advanced options.” Here, you will see the option to reset the app. This action will clear any corrupted data that might be causing the issue and restore Edge to its default settings without affecting your saved bookmarks or passwords.
How can I fix the “Aw, Snap!” error in Microsoft Edge?
The “Aw, Snap!” error typically indicates that something went wrong while trying to load a webpage. A quick fix is to refresh the page by clicking the refresh button or pressing F5 on your keyboard. If refreshing doesn’t work, clear the browser cache and cookies by going to Settings, then Privacy, search, and services, and selecting “Choose what to clear.”
If the error persists, consider disabling extensions that may be conflicting with page loading. Go to the extensions menu from the settings and disable each one individually, then test to see if Edge loads the page correctly. If you identify an extension as the cause, you can remove it from Edge.
Why is Microsoft Edge running slow on my Windows 10?
If Microsoft Edge is running slowly, it could be due to several factors, such as overloaded cache, too many open tabs, or resource-intensive extensions. Start by clearing the cache and cookies. You can do this by navigating to Settings, then Privacy, search, and services, and selecting “Clear browsing data.” Make sure to clear at least the cached images and files.
Another way to improve performance is to close unnecessary tabs and limit the number of active extensions. You can also check for updates for both Microsoft Edge and Windows 10, as updates often include performance enhancements and bug fixes. Keeping your system optimized will lead to a smoother browsing experience.
How do I restore default settings in Microsoft Edge?
Restoring default settings in Microsoft Edge can help resolve issues without losing your saved data. To do this, open Edge and go to settings. Select “Reset settings” found on the left sidebar, and then click on “Restore settings to their default values.” This will revert all settings to the original state but will not delete your bookmarks and saved passwords.
It’s important to note that restoring default settings will disable all the extensions and reset the startup page and new tab page. After restoration, reopen Edge and re-enable any extensions that you had previously and adjust the settings according to your preferences.
What can I do if Edge crashes or freezes frequently?
Frequent crashes or freezes in Microsoft Edge can usually be attributed to issues like outdated software, excessive cache, or problematic extensions. Begin troubleshooting by checking for updates through Edge’s settings and also check for any available Windows updates. Keeping your software up-to-date is essential for optimal performance and security.
If the problem continues, try running Edge without extensions to see if that resolves the issue. Open Edge and select the three-dot menu, then click on “New InPrivate window.” This mode disables extensions, allowing you to test the browser’s stability. If Edge functions smoothly, it indicates that one of the extensions is likely causing the crashes, and you may want to address that specifically.
How can I uninstall and reinstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 10?
Uninstalling Microsoft Edge is not straightforward as it is a built-in application on Windows 10. However, if you wish to reset it, you can navigate to the Settings app, go to Apps, highlight Microsoft Edge, and choose the option to modify. From here, you can perform a repair or reset. This often resolves issues without needing a full uninstall.
If you still want to reinstall Edge, you can download the latest version from the official Microsoft website following a reset. This will ensure you are running the most updated and reliable version of the browser available for Windows 10.
How do I enable or disable tracking prevention in Edge?
Tracking prevention in Microsoft Edge helps protect your privacy while browsing. To enable or disable this feature, open Edge and go to settings. Click on “Privacy, search, and services,” then find the “Tracking prevention” section. Here, you can select the level of tracking prevention you prefer: Basic, Balanced, or Strict.
Choosing the “Strict” setting may block more trackers but could also result in some websites not functioning properly. On the other hand, the “Basic” option allows most sites to track you but does provide some level of protection. Adjust this setting based on your preferences for privacy versus usability.
How can I fix audio and video playback issues in Microsoft Edge?
Audio and video playback issues in Microsoft Edge can often be traced to problems like outdated drivers or conflicting extensions. Begin troubleshooting by checking for any updates for your drivers, particularly sound and graphics drivers. Updating these can resolve compatibility issues that might be affecting playback.
Another step is to disable extensions that might be interfering with media playback. Open Edge, navigate to the settings, select “Extensions,” and turn off any extensions one by one. After disabling an extension, test the playback to see if the issue persists. If playback improves, you may want to identify the problematic extension for removal.